Between the end of 6 months of chemo for breast cancer and my date for minor breast surgery, I developed shingles. I was 67 at the time - and had no idea about how bad shingles can be, especially with a low resistance level. I relate the pain level to that of a broken bone - but repeating in waves 3 or 4 times a day. I live alone in a house of 5 flats, and I remember leaving a note out to my neighbours to say that if they heard me counting down in a shouting voice, that was the only way I could deal with it and they shouldn't worry.
We are several years on from 2019 - and I note that at 71 I am still on the post-Covid extremely vulnerable list. Now we have regular "adverts" on TV about shingles for the over 70s. This should include the same kind of folk - like I was - who are classified extremely vulnerable. In my case, surgery had to be postponed.
So I do suggest that the anti-shingles campaign should be extended to those who are immune-suppressed, either through cancer or through chemotherapy or other ways.
It totally agree with you. I have 2.5 years to go before I am officially allowed the vaccination but there is a section of people who need to now…..
I do have a pack of ‘just in case’ antivirals at home to take at the first shins of Shingles.
